In a move that is not surprising, Facebook is pushing users to its Facebook Messenger app by removing the ability to message your family and friends through the main application.
This move will be affecting all versions available for iPhone and Android, though Facebook tells us Windows Phone and iPad versions will remain unaffected.
The social network says the reason for the move is to streamline its messaging efforts into one single experience rather than have one in the main app and one in the standalone app, which is seen as vital to the company in its efforts to stay ahead of WeChat, LINE and other messaging apps.
“our goal is to focus development efforts on making Messenger the best mobile messaging experience possible”
Facebook released this official statement:
“In the next few days, we’re continuing to notify more people that if they want to send and receive Facebook messages, they’ll need to download the Messenger app. As we’ve said, our goal is to focus development efforts on making Messenger the best mobile messaging experience possible and avoid the confusion of having separate Facebook mobile messaging experiences. Messenger is used by more than 200 million people every month, and we’ll keep working to make it an even more engaging way to connect with people.”
What do you think of this move? Have you made the switch from the main app to Messenger yet? Let us know in the comments below or join the discussion in the forums!
Update: Correction added: Changes to Facebook not affecting iPad or Windows Phone